HB361 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: David SessionsSenator
Republican
Co-Sponsors: James E. Buskey Rod Scott Victor Gaston Alan Baker Harry Shiver Steve McMillan Jim Barton Chad Fincher Richard J. Laird Randy Davis Joe Faust Jamie Ison
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Oyster aquaculture, leasing of coastal waters by Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Shellfish Aquaculture Review Board created
Summary: HB361 creates the Shellfish Aquaculture Review Board to develop and oversee a leasing program for commercial oyster aquaculture on Alabama's submerged coastal lands.
What This Bill Does
HB361 creates the Shellfish Aquaculture Review Board within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to develop an oyster aquaculture program and lease submerged coastal lands for commercial oyster farming. Within 90 days, the board must recommend rules to establish the leasing program, including a streamlined application process and coordination with federal agencies. The program must protect wild fish stocks and riparian rights, consider conflicts with navigation and other coastal uses, and prohibit the propagation of nonnative oyster species. The department will adopt licensing rules for state lands and set lease fees to support the economic viability of oyster aquaculture.

Who It Affects
Commercial oyster growers and the seafood industry would be affected by a new leasing program, streamlined permitting, and potential lease fees.
Riparian landowners and coastal users will be protected by protections for riparian rights and by requiring decisions to consider navigation, recreation, and other uses.

Key Provisions
Creates the Shellfish Aquaculture Review Board and places it within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Board develops an oyster aquaculture policy and implements a leasing program for submerged coastal lands.
Board membership includes agency heads and governor-appointed representatives with shellfish and seafood industry representation.
Within 90 days, the board must recommend rules to establish the leasing program and streamline the application process, with coordination with federal agencies.
Leasing program must not harm wild fish stocks or riparian rights and must balance conflicts with navigation, recreation, and fishing.
Prohibits propagation of nonnative oyster species.
The department will adopt licensing rules for state lands and establish leasing fees to support economic viability.
Section 3 repeals conflicting laws and Section 4 makes the act effective immediately.
Board members are reimbursed for travel; non-state members may receive 100 per day.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Oysters